the next AX keytar
4 Oct 2013, 19:33If you're listening, Roland manufacturer...
Take what you've learned on the previous models, what works, what doesn't, what people like:
a) 4 octaves minimum, 5 would bring the instrument respect, anything less puts it in "novelty" or "toy" or "right hand solo only" category.
b) use more keyboard/synth sounds onboard and fewer guitar sounds. most of us have guitar players in our bands, and guitar sounds from a keytar are rarely as good as the real thing. The world is full of eager guitar players.
c) like on the Lucina, put the controls in front of the music keys, its faster and easier to see.
d) should look more like AX-Synth and less like Lucina. The "handle" on Lucina is just an ugly design. move the pitch bender out on a neck.
e) tilt the keys slightly toward the user, so we don't have to lean over when looking for a note. let us stay upright and cool.
f) when you do the above, the body becomes slightly wedge shape with the fat side toward the floor. stuff all the guts under there to minimize the width from front to back of keys. skinny keytars always look cooler, fat keytars look like something hung around your neck as an afterthought.
g) put real strap locks on it. many of us have launched our keyboards during our on-stage moves.
h) Don't let another manufacturer steal your lead in Keytars. Bring this to market ASAP.
I have my wallet open for this next great Roland keytar....
Take what you've learned on the previous models, what works, what doesn't, what people like:
a) 4 octaves minimum, 5 would bring the instrument respect, anything less puts it in "novelty" or "toy" or "right hand solo only" category.
b) use more keyboard/synth sounds onboard and fewer guitar sounds. most of us have guitar players in our bands, and guitar sounds from a keytar are rarely as good as the real thing. The world is full of eager guitar players.
c) like on the Lucina, put the controls in front of the music keys, its faster and easier to see.
d) should look more like AX-Synth and less like Lucina. The "handle" on Lucina is just an ugly design. move the pitch bender out on a neck.
e) tilt the keys slightly toward the user, so we don't have to lean over when looking for a note. let us stay upright and cool.
f) when you do the above, the body becomes slightly wedge shape with the fat side toward the floor. stuff all the guts under there to minimize the width from front to back of keys. skinny keytars always look cooler, fat keytars look like something hung around your neck as an afterthought.
g) put real strap locks on it. many of us have launched our keyboards during our on-stage moves.
h) Don't let another manufacturer steal your lead in Keytars. Bring this to market ASAP.
I have my wallet open for this next great Roland keytar....